Locals enjoy free XC skiing at Gilbrook Park

CNS photographer Devany Di Paolo spoke with of visitors at Gilbrook Park’s free cross-country skiing event. See her pictures here:

Gilbrook Park in Winooski is the hub of free cross country skiing on Saturdays from 10AM-1PM.

Many families, like mother and father Tracy and Bill with their daughter Sophie (pictured above), come to the park to spend some time together, making the best of the cold months in Vermont with a fun sport.

Best friends Becca Heine and Jessie Pearce are eager to get their skis on and go!

People wait patiently in line for their turn to ski.

Mother Cathy helps her daughter Amelia get her ski boots on before heading out onto the trail together.

Courtney Dickerson, from the Catamount Trail Association. She runs the weekend ski program and brings all of the free rental equipment. She loves that she can give back to the community and create opportunity for Vermonters to do something they may not get to do very often.

Renzo Silva, a weekly volunteer. He gives people their gear and helps keep the line moving.

Some of the free rental gear waiting to be put on by an excited skier.

Skis, skis, and more skis!

Ian Bishop, after a few laps, ready to put his equipment away for the next person.

Kate Nicoletti, who works as the Youth Programs Coordinator with the city of Winooski Recreation Department. She helps run the program and is a very important part of it.

Courtney and Renzo, helping people get their poles and boots.

People of all ages come to Gilbrook Park to enjoy cross country skiing.

Becca and Jessie got their gear on and are ready to go down the hill.

Tracy, Bill and Sophie making their way onto the trail one by one.

Friends compete to see who can get up the hill the fastest, and look like they’re having a great time!

Cathy with her children Amelia and Silas making their way back to the entrance after enjoying the day skiing together.